Note from the Editorial Board
Dear Reader,
As scientific progress continuously advances forward, it is worthwhile to take a deep breath and reflect on how far we have come in solving the increasingly complex problems that Nature has thrown our way. Biotechnology has taken on new meaning and new potential. While traditional biotechnology has allowed us to bake bread and breed domestic animals, modern biotechnology is allowing us to make the impossible possible.
Scientists are finding more and more ways to solve the intricacies of cancer, a disease that seemed invincible less than a decade ago. Kristen Flint ’14 describes the potential of engineered viral nanoparticles in curing cancer. Derek Racine ’13 speaks with Dr. Steven Fiering, professor of microbiology and immunology at Dartmouth Medical School, about cancer nanotherapy and its potential role in curing ovarian cancer.
It is incredible how scientific advances have allowed us to manipulate the delicate plumbing of the circulatory system in treating heart disease, the leading cause of death in the world. While Amir Ishaq Khan ’14 compares carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting in treating stroke, Julie Shabto ’14 discusses the use of bioabsorbable coronary stents in place of contemporary metallic stents, which can be harmful in the long run.
Advancements in optoelectronics are restoring vision to the blind, a feat described by Andrew Zureick ’13. Further, Hannah Payne ’11 explains how this recent progress in optogenetics has allowed a better understanding of the brain. Moreover, Elise Wilkes ’12 describes methods for sourcing environmental organic pollutants, specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
As we better understand not only the workings of the human body better but also those of our smaller fellow creatures, we endlessly unearth more ways to protect ourselves. While Aaron Koenig ’14 discusses the intercellular communication in bacteria, Diana Pechter ’12 poses an interesting idea on how to prevent disease on college campuses. Yoon Kim ’13 expresses gratitude to biotechnological advances in the form of poetry.
As each new scientific development solves a previous problem, new problems arise that need to be solved. Daniel Lee ’13 discusses the ethical questions raised by recent advancements of in vitro fertilization. Mike Mantell ’13 describes the potential hidden risk that comes with cellular phones.
This issue of the DUJS also brings you original undergraduate research on the average selenium content in a typical can of tuna in the marketplace from Christina Mai ’12, Rebecca Rapf ’12, Elise Wilkes ’12, and Karla Zurita ’12. In addition, Elizabeth Parker ’12 assesses the utility of microsatellites for assigning maternity
in Anolis sagrei lizards.
We hope you enjoy reading this issue of the DUJS, and that it provokes you to consider the implications of science beyond the walls of the classroom and laboratory.
Sincerely,
The DUJS Editorial Board